From: josephine charles [mailto:jofengniao@yahoo.co.uk]
Sent: Wednesday, May 14, 2008 4:04 PM
Subject: Earthquake!
A Big Hello To Everyone. I am back on line at last. As you can imagine, communication has been a little erratic these past few days. I wrote a long letter this morning and lost it through a power cut, this time am doing it in tiny steps with constant saving!
Thank you so very much for your concern for the safety of all of us here in the Liangshan. Yes, we are safe and well, if somewhat shaken, and our schools are still standing strong and solid.
We are about 200 Ks from the epicentre of the earthquake so were spared the dreadful events that occurred at Wenchuan and Beichuan villages. Thankfully, no major damage has been reported in our area even although some of the older buildings have cracked under the strain. There have been several nasty aftershocks with more expected within the next few days.
Shaken and stirred are the dominant emotions for all of us at the moment but when I look at the images coming from the disaster area I feel extremely distressed to see all those poor people who are suffering.
Sitting here drinking many cups of tea and having a big think about what best to do, I have reached the conclusion that we MUST help those poor souls, the best way we can.
I would therefore like to ask each and every one of you, and anyone who would like to support our endeavour, to help us help those in need. The Foundation may be small but we are efficient, and together we can move mountains!
The time will come within the next few months when the communities of Wenchuan, Beichuan and surrounding villages will need assistance to rebuild their lives.
We are one of the very few NGO's on the ground here in Sichuan who have the ability to help at grass roots level.
During this time, the large NGO's and Governments will enter the stricken area to rescue trapped people and slowly begin to rebuild the the infrastructure of the main towns. Small towns and villages will be lower on the list of priorities. There will become a time when an assessment is made to what is needed, how many central schools to be built and communities assisted. This is when we can be of use.
Here is why we can be of use.
We are a local NGO with local knowledge, close at hand.
Have excellent relationships with government departments in Sichuan
Have an excellent track record of getting things done, quickly and efficiently
All funds go to where they are needed and controlled directly by the Foundation
All funds are accountable to the donors
Here is how we can be of use.
Rebuild smaller central schools
Get food, clothing and essential necessities to those who need them
Assist widows, orphans and exceptionally disadvantaged children
Identify problems in the field and deal with them immediately
Although it is too early to be of any direct assistance, I have begun to investigate when and where are the most suitable places to direct our aid when the time comes.
Together we can make a difference, so please help if you can. We'll gather as much money as we can to help those who need it the most!
Big Hugs from the great cool shaky mountains.
Josephine Charles
Founder and CEO,
Charles Foundation
www.charlesfoundation.org |
